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Chapter 132. Three Companion And Briefing

"Mobile assault, you say?"

Hagg frowned. Of course, he did. Stationary attacks are mostly used for defending strongholds.

"The wording might be off, but try not to focus on that. I'm no expert on military terms."

I placed a pack of cigarettes on the table. Not only Hagg and Yaralai but also the lizard couple Shurla and Reemo, along with the traveler girl Eutis, all leaned in to take a look.

"Let's assume this is the camper van parked outside. And this here..."

I placed everyone's cups in the center of the table, clustering them in the middle of the round table.

"...represents the beasts' nest... or their group."

Hagg stroked his chin beard and grabbed a cup, drinking its contents seriously before putting it back. Yaralai shot him a glare, but Hagg brushed it off without a care.

"As you know, that vehicle can move fast. So, we’ll have Yaralai on top, circling around like this…" 

"I see." 

"Interesting."

The lizard couple, not quite following, kept looking between us and the cigarette pack. I continued, ignoring them.

I moved the cigarette pack right along the edge of the round table.

"Exactly. We'll maintain our distance and keep shooting at them." 

"Yeah. Even if they charge us..."

I moved one of the cups toward the cigarette pack, but by the time the cup reached the edge of the table, the target had already moved far ahead.

"If building sandbags or fences isn’t possible, we’ll just escape before they attack. Fortunately, we’re not in a town."

This wouldn’t work for urban defense, but we’re on the offensive this time. We’ll just move freely and attack from all sides.

"Akira, what if they ambush us from multiple spots?"

Hagg spaced the cups out across the table, even placing some at the edge where the cigarette pack was moving.

"That’s when you come in, Hagg. You can handle them one by one, right?"

His eyes widened for a moment before his grin spread wide.

"Of course! Goblins scattered around are no match for me!" 

"I’ll join too. I’ll take them out in seconds." 

"That’s reassuring, but Yaralai, avoid close combat. You’re key to this operation." 

"...Understood." 

"Hagg, any suggestions or corrections?" 

"One thing— we need to check if the car can actually reach the necessary speed."

He responded immediately, having fully grasped the vehicle’s capabilities. Meanwhile, it highlighted just how much of an amateur I was.

"Shurla, how are the rocks around the old mine? Is the ground smooth enough for a carriage to move through?" 

"Hmm, I’m not sure, but if you’re talking about shooting arrows from a moving cart, it should be fine. The area was leveled back when the mine was operational." 

"Hmm. It’ll need checking, but it seems possible." 

"Good." 

"The other issue is firepower. Yaralai’s rifle alone will take too long to reduce their numbers." 

"What?" 

"So…"

Hagg restrained Yaralai, who had flared up with energy, with one hand and pointed at me.

"It’s your turn, Akira." 

"Me?" 

"Yes. Good thing you've been practicing. Time for your lightsaber." 

"I’ve considered that, but I’ll be driving the car…" 

"I’ll drive." 

"No, but…" 

"I’ve watched you closely and remember most of it. If you teach me properly, I’ll master it in no time." 

"However…" 

"Alright, how about this? Two hours. If I can’t learn it through hands-on experience, we’ll find another way." 

"…"

Hagg was brimming with confidence. If he could drive, we’d double our firepower. Considering the success of the mission, I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

"Two hours then." 

"Understood." 

"Alright, I’ll teach you. Anything else we’re missing?" 

"We need a stealth reconnaissance mission to get a feel for the terrain and enemy strength. If possible, we should also try to reinforce our forces…"

Hagg looked at Shurla.

"The best fighters have already left town, escorting wealthy merchants. If we head to Sevites, we can find skilled fighters, but it’s a day’s ride, even at full speed."

Shurla shrugged. How did a lizard even manage to shrug?

"Yeah, can’t be helped. Whether it’s an excuse to flee or because of the money, no one wants to stay." 

"Indeed." 

"Hagg, hire us."

I froze for a moment. The deep voice that suddenly broke the silence belonged to Reemo, the usually quiet husband of the lizard couple. I recalled hearing his strangely solemn greeting earlier, but his current tone was entirely different.

"Injured people are a hindrance."

Reemo silently stared at me, and Shurla clapped her hands together.

"We can handle guarding that boy over there." 

"Oh? I’ve been personally training him, you know?" 

"What?"

Now it was Shurla and Reemo’s turn to look at me with wide, surprised eyes. Please stop. I don’t stand a chance in a fight with either of you.

"Hmm, this boy, huh..." 

"..."

Please, stop the silent treatment. I’m not thrilled to be called strong, but the way they’re looking at me feels deflating. Why?

"Hmph. Either way, injured people are a burden." 

"Well… I’m mostly healed. If anything comes up, just call me." 

"Alright."

After finishing my conversation with the lizards, I turned to Eutis, the sporty traveler I’d met earlier. She had been quietly listening to all this time. Come to think of it, this had nothing to do with her.

"Eutis, what are your plans? We’ve been traveling together up to this point." 

"Well… I was planning to return to Sevites, but…"

She frowned slightly. It seemed like the congestion on the road to Sevites had made her reconsider.

"I was planning to push ahead regardless, but maybe I’ll look for lodging here for the next day or two." 

"Yeah, your leg’s still hurt." 

"That’s part of it, but…" 

"Hmm?" 

"No, it’s nothing." 

"...? Alright then."

I wasn’t sure what she meant, but if she was fine with it, that was enough for me.

"Oh, if it’s alright with you, may I stay with you all until after dinner?" 

"Of course, it’s safer not to be alone." 

"Thank you."

She bowed her head politely. It seemed the chaotic state of the town was making her uneasy. If necessary, I wouldn’t mind escorting her to her lodgings. Just as our conversation ended, Yaralai unfolded her arms.

"Dwarf, what now?" 

"First, we’ll go for that reconnaissance." 

"In that case..."

With elvish grace, she stood and slid over to the counter, grabbing a parchment that was pinned there with a knife. Slam! She brought it down onto the table, knife and all.

"Investigation: Goblin colony reconnaissance. Request via former mayor’s office. (3 to 30,000 yen) — Hanshon, Mayor"

"Let’s take it."

I see. That might be a good idea.